Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

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2015 has been a wild year for Minnesota weather.

"It looks like we might record the warmest December in state history," Mark Seeley, University of Minnesota climatologist and meteorologist, told MPR News host Tom Weber. And that won't be the only record. The last four months have been unseasonably warm.

This fall, Minnesota saw its warmest September in recorded history, followed by a warmer-than-normal October and the fourth-warmest November. Add it all together, and 2015 is on pace to be the sixth warmest year in Minnesota history, Seeley said.

The warmth is a combination of El Nino and general warming trends. Warmer and wetter weather is in cards for Minnesota, as seen this past spring.

"We entered the month of May with 94 percent of the state in drought," Seeley said. "And by the first week of June, we had done a complete turn-around. We had no drought left in the state. The soils had been recharged. We embarked on a remarkable growing season — the best growing season for Minnesota farmers in 50 years."

So what does the winter of 2016 have in store for Minnesotans? 

"We are projected ... to stay mild through the first week of January," Seeley said. After that, there's a chance that temperatures could drop and snow could fall.

"I'm hopeful we will indeed get colder temps and more snow. The lake ice will finally set up."

To hear the full discussion with Mark Seeley, use the audio player above.

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Since Sept. 1, approximately 85 days have been warmer than normal, according to climatologist Mark Seeley.

Mark Seeley, University of Minnesota climatologist and meteorologist, discussed 2015's unusual weather and record warmth.

2015 on track to be sixth warmest year in MN history

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